Arsenal get boost as huge Manchester United managerial update emerges

Manchester United will have a new head coach by the time they travel to face Arsenal on January 25

Michael Carrick looks poised to become Manchester United's new interim boss until the end of the season.

The former Red Devils and England midfielder has been out of work since being sacked by Championship outfit Middlesbrough last June.

He does, however, have history stepping in at Old Trafford as interim boss having guided United to two wins and a draw back in 2021 following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Interestingly, his third and final match of that short reign came against Arsenal when United beat the Gunners 3-2 at Old Trafford courtesy of two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and one from Bruno Fernandes.

Facing United is never a straightforward task but for Arsenal's sake, it's positive they have clarity on who will be in the opposition dugout when they face their long-standing rivals on January 25.

First United play Manchester City in the derby at Old Trafford this weekend before travelling south to north London to square off with the Premier League leaders.

Had Arsenal been Carrick's first game at the helm, it would have been very difficult to prepare for the contest.

Now the Gunners will be able to analyse the Manchester derby and get a feel for how Carrick wants to set up the team.

It's by no means a given that they will win but it's better to be United's second opponent under Carrick than the first.

You would expect United to come out firing against City and there could be a case of 'new manager bounce' that comes into play.

United's players will be keen to prove a point after they were embarrassingly dumped out of the FA Cup by Brighton on Sunday.

It could also be argued that there are no two better games than City and Arsenal to rev up a disillusioned fanbase and win supporters back over via performances.

On the flip side, United fanatics will be sceptical that it could end badly given they're facing two of the best sides in the division.

Carrick is expected to be in the hot-seat within a matter of days after reportedly pipping Solskjaer to the job.

He's impressed during talks and will now relish the chance to go head-to-head with the likes of Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, respectively.

Both teams will also surely relish the chance to inflict instant misery upon the incoming boss.